The occasion marked National Armed Forces Day, with the Regiment choosing to exercise its Freedom of Hull during City of Culture year.

Servicemen past and present began the parade from Queens Gardens at 11.40am on Saturday morning, marching from the landmark down Lowgate and Whitefriargate, where spontaneous and appreciative applause broke out among those who'd huddled outside shop fronts to admire the procession.

The Parade heads down Whitefriargate (Image: Simon Renilson)

From there, the soldiers headed along Carr Lane, before passing the Cenotaph in Paragon Square and turning full circle - marching back through the freshly-paved streets before dismissing at Queens Gardens, where they'd started.

The enthusiasm among the watching public was palpable. One of them, 78-year-old Rita Carrick from Hessle High Road, said: "I think this is fantastic. It's really lovely.

"They're all so smart and it really gets you in the pit of your stomach.

"I was in the Territorial Army myself and we never had anything like this. It's so different now."

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Phil Heppenstall, from West Yorkshire, said: "It does make you proud. I generally come into the city centre on Saturdays for some exercise, so I thought I'd time my visit this morning so I could see this.

"I think it's important to show our respect and gratitude to those that protect us at home and abroad and to not be afraid to show that support in light of recent events."

Proceedings were completed with a Service of Remembrance and Hope in Queen Victoria Square, led by Regiment chaplain, the Reverend Ben Norton.

A sombre silence was held in memory of those whose lives had been given in the name of freedom, before a rendition of the National Anthem was played.

High-flying flags bearing the Regiment's emblem, complete with the white rose of Yorkshire, bristled in the wind as prayers were said in the name of tolerance, and the hymn 'Amazing Grace' was sung by the congregation.

A sombre Service of Remembrance was held in Queen Victoria Square (Image: Simon Renilson)

Revd Turner's most poignant remarks came with reference to recent terror attacks that have afflicted the nation. In an appeal of hope to those gathered, he said: "In Hull, we have a long-standing heritage of standing up for freedom, and for standing up against slavery.

"We know all too well, the cost of that freedom. But the cost of that freedom is well worth the sacrifice."

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In one of his first public addresses as Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor John Hewitt thanked the Regiment for marching in the city, and praised them on their "superb manner".

As the warm summer weather beat down upon city centre revellers all enjoying their day out, soldiers happily posed for photographs for families, while children were given the chance to jump on an Army tank and acquaint themselves with the life of a soldier.

Authentic tanks brought up the parade's tail. (Image: Simon Renilson)

But while some in the city centre may have held only a curious passing interest in the goings-on as they went shopping, for some the occasion was felt very keenly.

Sue Marshall said: "Today makes me feel very emotional. It would have been my father's birthday today. We lost him a year ago, but he was in the Forces and because he served in Germany I lived there until I was 15.

"The music and the memories this all brings are wonderful. When I was a child I was used to these parades happening every year."